The upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games are shaping up to be a significant event for the world of baseball, with discussions heating up around the potential inclusion of Major League Baseball (MLB) players. Since baseball and softball were excluded from the Olympic program in Paris 2024, fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating the sport's return to the global stage.
Optimism for MLB Participation
Amidst the anticipation, notable MLB figures have voiced their support for player participation in the Olympics. Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani have already expressed their eagerness to don their national colors. Joining them is Aaron Judge, the star outfielder for the New York Yankees, who has shared his aspirations to compete in the 2028 Olympics, provided that MLB players are granted eligibility.
"I'd love to play," Judge said. "If they give us the opportunity -- I don't know what the ruling or anything has come out about that -- but I'm all in on that. There's very few opportunities to get to do that and especially, hopefully, in the prime of my career where I can still do it and make an impact. I'd love to. I've never represented my country before, never got invited to those Team USA camps as an amateur, never really made the cut for those. Hopefully now I can make the cut."
Balancing Ambitions with Commitments
While Judge is enthusiastic about representing Team USA in 2028, he remains committed to his primary goal: bringing a championship back to New York. Judge, who has signed a nine-year contract with the Yankees, emphasized his current focus on his team.
"It would be an honor to represent my country and play in that," Judge remarked. "But my main goal is what I can do here in New York and what I can do to bring a championship back here. I think especially after signing a nine-year contract, for me, priorities are New York. Maybe four years down the road, hopefully I can still make the team and get an opportunity to play. But right now for me, my focus is here."
Support at the Top
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated an open-minded stance on the inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics. This implies a significant shift in the league's approach, as MLB currently excludes players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics. "Open-minded," Manfred succinctly stated when asked about the possibility.
Lessons could be drawn from Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), which paused its season during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, allowing its players to compete and ultimately win a gold medal in baseball. This approach demonstrated the benefits of giving professional athletes the chance to represent their countries without conflicting with their league commitments.
Judge's Impressive Performance
If allowed to compete, Judge would bring an impressive track record to Team USA. The outfielder is currently boasting a remarkable slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs this season. By comparison, in the same number of team games in 2022, Judge was hitting .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs.
Judge will be 36 years old during the 2028 Olympics, an age where many players still perform at a high level, positioning him to potentially make a significant impact on the team's success.
Looking to the Future
The inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics would not only elevate the level of competition but also attract a larger audience to the sport. Baseball’s return to the Olympics in Los Angeles offers a unique opportunity to showcase the talent and dedication of MLB’s top players on an international stage.
As the sporting world anticipates the 2028 Olympics, the enthusiasm and readiness of players like Aaron Judge keep the spirit of the game alive. His dedication to both his team and his potential future role in representing his country exemplifies the passion and commitment that elite athletes bring to their sport, promising an exciting era for baseball fans around the globe.